Grow Vietnamese Mint

Vietnamese Mint growing provides a flavourful herb that can be easily grown in your yard. Check out these tips to grow this herb with ease.

The plant produces highly aromatic leaf. Indeed Vietnamese Mint (Persicaria odorata), also known as Vietnamese coriander or laksa leaf, is not a mint but a herb enjoyed for its hot peppery taste.

Vietnamese Mint Growing Zone

Vietnamese mint is a warm-season herb that thrives in tropical and subtropical regions. In Australia ideal growing regions include Far North Queensland, Northern Territory, and coastal New South Wales, where temperatures remain warm year-round.

In the USA it grows best in Zones 9 to 11, where temperatures rarely dip below freezing.

Vietnamese Mint Growing Temperature

Vietnamese Mint is resilient and can tolerate a range of temperatures. It flourishes in warm conditions but can endure cooler climates, making it adaptable to various environments.

Vietnamese Mint Growing

Vietnamese Mint Growing from Seed

Vietnamese mint is typically propagated through cuttings rather than seeds, as it rarely produces viable seeds. Growing it from cuttings is much faster and more reliable because it roots quickly in water or soil.

However, if you do happen to find seeds or want to try growing from seeds, here’s a general guide:

1. Start by sowing the seeds in moist, well-draining soil. Push seeds lightly into the soil without covering them too deeply (about 0.5 cm or 1/4 inch deep).
2. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
3. Once the seedlings are a few inches tall, you can transplant them into larger containers or into the ground, spacing them about 30 cm (12 inches) apart.

Growing Vietnamese Mint in Water

Vietnamese mint is a versatile herb often used in Southeast Asian cuisine. Growing Vietnamese mint in water is a simple and effective method, particularly for those with limited garden space. Steps to Grow Vietnamese Mint in Water:

1. Select healthy cuttings that are at least 4-6 inches long with several sets of leaves.
2. Prepare the cuttings by removing the lower leaves from the bottom 2 inches of the stem, leaving a few sets of leaves at the top.
3. Place the cuttings in water and position the container in a bright location with indirect sunlight.
4. Change the water regularly.
5. Once the roots are well-established, you can continue to grow the Vietnamese mint in water. Ensure the water level is consistently high enough to cover the roots.

By following these steps and maintaining proper care, you can successfully grow Vietnamese mint in water and enjoy a continuous supply of fresh, flavorful leaves for your culinary needs.

Vietnamese Mint Growing Season

This plant loves humid tropical and sub-tropical growing conditions. They can grow all year around in these locations.

In frost-prone areas, also apply a seaweed solution periodically from late autumn through winter to improve frost tolerance. Also prune the plant back by at least half in late winter or early spring, after all likelihood of frost has past.

Vietnamese Mint Companion Planting

Vietnamese mint grows well with other Asian herb that also thrive in moist soils, including ginger, lemongrass and coriander.

Vietnamese Mint Growing Conditions

Most herbs do not tolerate constant soggy soil. They need to have the chance to drain between waterings.

Vietnamese Mint Growing in Pots

Consequently, we suggest well draining soil and growing your herbs in containers or pots. This is particularly helpful in tropical regions, especially during the torrential downpours that occur in the wet season.

Fertilising 

When growing Vietnamese mint you can apply a slow release fertiliser at the time of planting. During the wet season we also apply a liquid seaweed fertiliser every month, to achieve best results.

Watering

During the tropical dry season in particular this plant needs to be watered regularly.

Pest Problems

This herb is fairly pest resistant. However, it can suffer from aphids or spider mites. Regular application of white oil can help address these pests. Indeed white oil is an effective organic pesticide that you can make at home.

Vietnamese Mint Uses

This plant is also known as laksa leaf. Indeed, laksa leaf is used often in cooking, most notably in laksa soup.

Hence, this herb has a unique ‘peppery’ flavour. It also has hints of coriander flavour and can be used in a similar way. Thus it is very popular in South East Asian cooking. Indeed it is useful to spice up a salad and it is found in dishes with seafood, rice, meat, chicken, coconut milk and curry.

Vietnamese Mint Benefits

This herb is quite good for you. Indeed, packed with vitamins A, C, B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, as well as calcium, iodine, iron, magnesium, and potassium, Vietnamese Mint has a number of health benefits.

This herb has anti-inflammatory properties and is said to help with swelling joints and skin issues. There is also evidence it is useful for people suffering from diarrhoea.

This plant also works for fungus between your toes (also known as athlete’s foot). Wash the leaves; crush it into a liquid to apply on the wounded area. In addition, you can use the residue to cover it. Then keep water away from the area.

Extracts of this plant can also be applied to address dandruff.

Vietnamese Mint Bunnings

Vietnamese mint can be purchased from Bunnings, either in a small pot from the nursery section or in seed form. However, why not consider supporting a local nursery? They often have what you need and a lot more besides. Also, often local nurseries sell products suited to the local climate.

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